Landlords urged to help tackle Northern NSW housing crisis

Local not-for-profit Momentum Collective is calling on landlords to help tackle the housing affordability crisis in northern New South Wales, with new research revealing only a quarter of rental properties in the region were affordable for people on low incomes.

Research by Anglicare Australia has showed that just three per cent of rental properties across northern New South Wales were affordable for people living on income support payments and just 23 per cent were affordable to people living on the minimum wage.

Virginia Walker, CEO of Momentum Collective, said the figures highlighted how difficult it was for people on a low income to get a roof over their head.

“Rents are rising, unemployment is double the state average and it is next to impossible for single parents, people with disabilities, pensioners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to find an affordable home.”

Momentum Collective provides a range of services across housing, employment and disability in local communities from Tweed Heads to Coffs Harbour in northern New South Wales.

“Landlords are key to helping us open up more housing options. We are experienced property managers with a portfolio of around 300 properties, including social, community and private rental dwellings that provide affordable housing for people in need.

“We could do a lot more to assist people on low incomes and people with disabilities if we had greater access to properties in the private rental market. Our clients would receive the support they need to maintain their home and landlords would have a guaranteed rental income.

“Everyone has the right to a safe, secure and affordable home. It is the starting point for people to build a better life for themselves and their family. That is why we are asking socially minded property owners to consider Momentum Collective as their property manager.”

In 2018, Momentum Collective helped more than 2,000 people who were homeless and 2,500 women and children escaping family and domestic violence.

To discuss listing your property with Momentum Collective, contact the Property and Housing Team on 1300 900 091 or email info@mymomentum.org.au